harry reid and the senate seem to be the only game in town right now with the senate returning today. we also know from sources, ali, that over this christmas break there were no conversations between the president and top-level republicans. sources from both parties are telling us they are watching the senate, especially the democratic leadership in the senate. we also know yesterday house republicans came out with a statement saying that he will act only after the u.s. senate acts. we're not sure what the senate will do, as you say, we're expecting that smaller deal. what exactly will they vote on? perhaps something that will erase tax hikes for most but not all americans. there could be some money in there for unemployment benefits. they're cobbling all of that together today. all eyes again on the senate, as you say. an let's look at what's going to happen today. 10:00 a.m., that's when the senate comes into session, 10:00 a.m. 11:30 is when president obama returns from hawaii. so we expect many conversations after the president returns. then we have those five days, ali, as you s